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Tunisian prime minister announces cabinet reshuffle

Tunisian prime minister, Habib Essid, announced a cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday January 6, 2015, in an effort to boost his government as it battles jihadist violence.

He named new interior, justice and foreign ministers but gave no reasons for the change.

The new interior minister, Hedi Majdoub, replaces Najem Gharsalli in the reshuffle that has affected more than 10 ministries.

According to a statement from the presidency, the Secretary of State functions were also removed.

Tunisia has been under a state of emergency since an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked presidential guards in November in Tunis. The attack followed two previous militant attacks on foreign tourists damaging the country’s economy.

Essid’s New Cabinet

Hédi Majdoub : Minister of Interior

Mahmoud Ben Romdhane : Minister of Social Affairs

Youssef Chahed : Minister of Local Government

Mohamed Khelil : Minister of Religious Affairs

Kamel Ayadi : Minister of Public Service

Sonia Mbarek : Minister of Culture

Khaled Chouket : Minister to the head of government in charge of relations with ARP (Assembly of People’s Representatives)